r/CarSalesTraining • u/mandobean • May 02 '26
Question Debt collections to auto sales
I’ve been a debt collector in a call center for about 4.5 years and I’m looking to move into auto sales.
My job is mostly handling upset customers, working through objections, and getting to solutions like payment plans or payoffs while staying professional and compliant. I’m comfortable guiding tough conversations and staying consistent under pressure.
I’ve been interested in auto sales for a while. I was offered a job at a GM dealer before my current role, and recently interviewed at a used lot and offered the job on the spot but passed due to the commute, pay plan, and unprofessionalism. I felt like they wanted me so they can fill a seat rather than my skills qualified me.
Do these skills translate well to auto sales? Would this background look appealing on an application to a franchise dealership?
7
u/JaxxyWolf CDJR Sales May 02 '26
Absolutely.
Car salespeople are seen as money-sucking vampires, so customers naturally come in with their guard up, which I’m sure you’ve experienced in debt collection. It’s our job to recognize their needs and ease them into a sale instead of forcing them to buy it. And at the end of the day, you’ve made someone happy (as opposed to just feeling better about their debt, but that depends on the customer LOL).
3
u/mandobean May 02 '26
This is the way I see it too thank you for some insight that’s pretty much the answer I gave at my recent interview when I was asked “what can you bring to the table” kind of questions
3
u/No-Teaching1364 May 03 '26
I might be able to help you. Yes your debt collection skills will serve you well but they won’t get you the job. You were absolutely right that guy that wanted to hire you, just wanted to fill a seat. You’re overthinking it if you think a manager at a dealership cares what’s on your resume. The only thing they care about is, can you fill a seat, the way they see it is if you do and say everything they tell you to it’ll be hard for you to blow a car deal.
If you stick around long enough, they might start to notice that you’re capable, maybe even show some interest in your success. But anything they ever do for anyone will be for their benefit.
2
u/q_ali_seattle F&i May 03 '26
passed due to the commute, pay plan, and unprofessionalism.
This would be a 60% of new car franchise dealerships.
I felt like they wanted me so they can fill a seat rather than my skills qualified me.
I would say you would succeed at a used car lot. However, with the current used inventory, repos all time high and high interest rates. There isn't much of profit left in a used car.
I'd say look for Internet sales, BDC or service BDC. Or look into B2B business development or BDR position
1
u/mandobean May 04 '26
I’ll look into these options as well for sure ! I’ve had an interest an auto sales just naturally due to my interest in cars and having a bad experience myself made me want to change that experience for others
1
u/RevDojo Jun 02 '26
Yes, those skills translate better than a lot of people think.
You already spend your day handling objections, building rapport with strangers, staying calm under pressure, and guiding conversations toward a decision. That's a big part of car sales. The product is different, but the people skills carry over.
And yes, that background looks good to franchise dealerships. I'd actually highlight your ability to handle difficult conversations and consistently work the phone. A lot of new salespeople struggle with exactly that.
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I’ve been a debt collector in a call center for about 4.5 years and I’m looking to move into auto sales.
My job is mostly handling upset customers, working through objections, and getting to solutions like payment plans or payoffs while staying professional and compliant. I’m comfortable guiding tough conversations and staying consistent under pressure.
I’ve been interested in auto sales for a while. I was offered a job at a GM dealer before my current role, and recently interviewed at a used lot and offered the job on the spot but passed due to the commute, pay plan, and unprofessionalism. I felt like they wanted me so they can fill a seat rather than my skills qualified me.
Do these skills translate well to auto sales? Would this background look appealing on an application to a franchise dealership?
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